As a portrait painter, I take extreme offense that the authors of the Eliminating Government-Funded Oil-Painting Act, or “Ego” Act, suggest that a selfie would be an improvement over an oil portrait.

The attitude that portraiture is an outmoded luxury pervades much of this country, but how is it different from commemorating service or retirement with a gold watch?

The timelessness of an oil painting cannot be equated with a snapshot, because the artist spends countless hours making a unique, highly personal image. The presentation of a portrait is a memorable occasion in a career or a lifetime.

If it is only the price that Americans might find excessive, I hereby offer my services gratis to any member of Congress. If the objection is that these paintings are not ordinarily seen by the public, then I would suggest exhibits of them.

Do not give other countries fuel for the fire in suggesting that a classical art form is unappreciated in America.